97-31328. Migratory Bird Hunting: Revised Test Protocol for Nontoxic Approval Procedures for Shot and Shot Coatings  

  • [Federal Register Volume 62, Number 230 (Monday, December 1, 1997)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 63608-63615]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 97-31328]
    
    
    
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    Part II
    
    
    
    
    
    Department of the Interior
    
    
    
    
    
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    Fish and Wildlife Service
    
    
    
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    50 CFR Part 20
    
    
    
    Migratory Bird Hunting: Revised Test Protocol for Nontoxic Approval 
    Procedures for Shot and Shot Coating; Final Rule
    
    Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 230 / Monday, December 1, 1997 / 
    Rules and Regulations
    
    [[Page 63608]]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
    
    Fish and Wildlife Service
    
    50 CFR Part 20
    
    RIN 1018-AB80
    
    
    Migratory Bird Hunting: Revised Test Protocol for Nontoxic 
    Approval Procedures for Shot and Shot Coatings
    
    AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
    
    ACTION: Final rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: The purpose of this action is to revise the current nontoxic 
    shot approval procedures by establishing a tiered approval process. 
    Shot or shot coating approval is considered at each tier. An 
    environmentally benign shot or a minor modification of previously 
    approved shot may receive nontoxic approval after the first tier 
    contingent on existence of appropriate toxicological data and an 
    ecological risk assessment. If not, further testing would be required.
    
    DATES: This final rule takes effect December 31, 1997.
    
    ADDRESSES: Director (FWS/MBMO), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 634 
    ARLSQ, 1849 C ST., NW, Washington, D.C. 20240.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Schmidt, Chief, or Carol 
    Anderson, Wildlife Biologist, Office of Migratory Bird Management, 703/
    358-1714.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) 
    is revising the existing nontoxic shot and shot coating approval 
    procedures (50 CFR 20.134) by establishing a three-tier approval 
    process. Shot or shot coating approval is considered at each tier. An 
    environmentally benign shot or a minor modification of previously 
    approved shot may receive nontoxic approval after the first tier 
    contingent upon the existence of appropriate toxicological data and an 
    ecological risk assessment. The Service has modified the existing 
    regulation because:
        1. From an ecosystem management perspective, in addition to 
    waterfowl, we need to evaluate species such as invertebrates and fish 
    as these provide a food base for many waterfowl species;
        2. Since the original regulations were in effect, advancements in 
    the field of ecological risk assessment can be applied to this process;
        3. Reduction of time, expense and burden on the Federal Government 
    and applicants can occur without risk to wildlife; and
        4. From an animal welfare standpoint, reduction in numbers of test 
    animals used can occur without risk to wildlife.
        The original procedures were put in place in 1986 and the first 
    submission requesting approval of nontoxic shot came in October of 
    1993. Our experience with this shot approval process has shown that the 
    procedures need modification to accommodate situations where existing 
    information can minimize the need for full testing. Thus, the Service 
    and the U.S. Geological Survey--Biological Resources Division 
    cooperatively have developed an alternative set of procedures for 
    evaluating nontoxic shot and shot coatings to replace the testing 
    requirements presently in effect. As with the current procedures, the 
    new set of approval procedures carry the requirement that the applicant 
    carry the burden of providing that the candidate shot or shot coating 
    is nontoxic.
        The system has three tiers, with each tier enhancing the 
    information base on the candidate material. Those candidate materials 
    where appropriate background information, toxicological data, 
    ecological risk assessment, and reproductive effects information are 
    available demonstrating the candidate material to be benign may receive 
    nontoxic approval. Those candidate materials not approved as a result 
    of subjecting them to the standards set at Tier 1 will be subject to 
    the standards of Tier 2, Tier 3, or both.
        Tier 1 sets out comprehensive and detailed requirements that must 
    be provided to the Service in order to consider approval. After 
    evaluation of Tier 1 information, the Service will determine to grant 
    or deny approval, or require testing of Tier 2, Tier 3, or both.
        The scope of Tier 1 includes: (1) Physical and chemical 
    characterization of candidate shot or shot coating; (2) information on 
    the toxicity of the candidate material; (3) an ecological risk 
    assessment; and (4) effects on reproduction in water birds of the 
    candidate material.
        The scope of Tier 2 includes in vitro erosion rate testing, short-
    term (30-day) acute toxicity testing on mallards, and toxicity tests 
    with invertebrates and early-life stage vertebrates to assess potential 
    impacts on waterfowl habitat. The inclusion of lead shot (positive) and 
    steel shot (negative) control groups in the waterfowl feeding studies 
    is necessary to account for the experimental variability associated 
    with: (1) Tests performed by different laboratories; (2) a series of 
    tests performed within a given laboratory; and/or (3) an individual 
    test, given changing conditions which are beyond control of the 
    experimental protocol. Further, although the positive control group is 
    essential to every shot ingestion study series, the Service has 
    considered the documented history of the results of lead shot ingestion 
    by waterfowl and reduced the numbers of birds required for that aspect 
    of the protocol.
        The scope of Tier 3 includes chronic exposure under adverse 
    environmental conditions and effects on reproduction in mallards.
        Modification of the experimental procedures to address the specific 
    composition and erosion characteristics of the candidate shot or shot 
    coating may be made by the Service, if necessary. If the candidate shot 
    or shot coating is not metal or metalloid, the Service, with the 
    applicant, may develop other equivalent testing procedures to evaluate 
    the effects of the components of the candidate shot and/or shot 
    coating.
        Statistical analyses are to be performed on all data from each 
    test. For the purpose of this section (20.134) the terms significant 
    and significantly refer to a (P0.05) finding of 
    significance.
        Other conditions of final approval include residual lead levels and 
    noninvasive field testing devices. The Service has established a 
    maximum environmentally acceptable level of lead in shot as trace 
    amounts of <1 percent="" (august="" 15,="" 1995,="" 61="" fr="" 42492).="" any="" shot="" manufactured="" with="" lead="" levels="" equal="" to="" or="" exceeding="" 1="" percent="" are="" toxic="" and="" therefore,="" illegal.="" further,="" the="" service="" has="" established="" approval="" contingent="" upon="" the="" availability="" of="" a="" noninvasive="" field="" testing="" device="" (august="" 15,="" 1996,="" 61="" fr="" 42492)="" to="" determine="" shot="" material="" in="" the="" shell="" in="" the="" field.="" a="" schematic="" representation="" of="" the="" approval="" process="" follows:="" billing="" code="" 4310-55-p="" [[page="" 63609]]="" [graphic]="" [tiff="" omitted]="" tr01de97.000="" billing="" code="" 4310-55-c="" [[page="" 63610]]="" the="" intent="" of="" the="" shot="" and="" shot="" coating="" approval="" procedure="" is="" to="" ensure="" that,="" in="" addition="" to="" waterfowl,="" other="" natural="" resources="" will="" be="" protected.="" furthermore,="" materials="" that="" toxicologically="" are="" innocuous="" will="" complete="" the="" procedures="" at="" lower="" cost="" and="" with="" less="" paperwork="" for="" both="" the="" service="" and="" the="" applicant.="" in="" summary,="" the="" purpose="" of="" this="" rule="" is="" to="" revise="" the="" current="" shot="" approval="" procedures="" and="" to="" include="" shot="" coatings.="" public="" comment="" and="" responses="" the="" january="" 26,="" 1996,="" proposed="" rule="" published="" in="" the="" federal="" register="" (61="" fr="" 2470)="" invited="" comments="" from="" interested="" parties.="" the="" closing="" date="" for="" receipt="" of="" all="" comments="" was="" may="" 10,="" 1996.="" during="" this="" 115-day="" comment="" period,="" the="" service="" received="" five="" comment="" letters.="" a="" brief="" summary="" of="" those="" comments="" and="" the="" service's="" response="" follows:="" the="" national="" institute="" of="" environmental="" health="" sciences="" limited="" their="" comments="" to="" the="" toxicity="" testing="" (clinical="" observation,="" tissue="" analysis,="" and="" histopathology)="" of="" bismuth="" only,="" and="" as="" such,="" are="" not="" incorporated="" into="" the="" overall="" testing="" protocol.="" the="" missouri="" department="" of="" conservation="" asked="" if="" coatings="" of="" copper,="" nickel,="" and="" zinc="" on="" steel="" shot,="" which="" already="" are="" approved,="" will="" have="" ``grandfathered''="" approval.="" yes,="" they="" will.="" in="" december="" of="" 1986,="" based="" on="" a="" review="" and="" evaluation="" of="" information="" in="" an="" environmental="" assessment,="" the="" director="" issued="" a="" finding="" of="" no="" significant="" impact="" and="" chose="" to="" approve="" the="" use="" of="" copper="" or="" nickel="" coating="" on="" steel="" shot.="" in="" may="" of="" 1993,="" based="" on="" information="" from="" the="" national="" biological="" survey="" (now="" the="" biological="" resources="" division="" of="" the="" u.s.g.s.),="" the="" service,="" and="" manufacturers,="" the="" service="" issued="" an="" approval="" for="" zinc="" chloride="" and/or="" zinc="" chromed="" coating.="" these="" coatings="" will="" retain="" the="" service's="" approval.="" however,="" the="" service="" may="" reconsider="" both="" approvals="" at="" some="" future="" date="" if="" it="" is="" determined="" that="" the="" coatings="" may="" be="" creating="" toxicological="" problems="" for="" migratory="" birds.="" the="" wisconsin="" department="" of="" natural="" resources="" requested="" deletion="" of="" ``the="" requirement="" for="" assessing="" toxicity="" after="" complete="" absorption="" [because]="" we="" suspect="" that="" most="" substances="" that="" would="" pass="" all="" of="" the="" other="" tests="" would="" fail="" this="" test.''="" this="" is="" a="" worst-case="" scenario="" assumed="" in="" the="" risk="" assessment,="" and="" not="" an="" actual="" toxicity="" test="" that="" the="" applicant="" must="" complete.="" to="" ensure="" that="" waterfowl="" will="" be="" protected,="" this="" analysis="" must="" be="" completed.="" the="" national="" wildlife="" federation="" expressed="" concern="" that="" the="" service's="" proposal="" to="" ``scale="" back="" the="" testing="" procedures''="" will="" increase="" the="" potential="" for="" environmental="" harm.="" the="" service's="" decision="" to="" revise="" the="" present="" testing="" protocol="" is="" based="" on="" scientific="" advancements="" in="" risk="" assessment,="" toxicity="" testing,="" and="" modeling.="" in="" actuality,="" the="" new="" test="" protocol="" is="" far="" more="" demanding="" and="" scientifically="" rigorous="" than="" the="" current="" three="" phase="" nontoxic="" shot="" approval="" process="" because="" it="" approaches="" the="" issue="" from="" an="" ecosystem="" management="" perspective="" incorporating="" recent="" advancements="" in="" science.="" the="" new="" test="" protocol="" will="" increase="" protection="" of="" the="" environment="" by="" incorporating="" an="" ecosystem="" approach="" and="" multi-species="" testing="" rather="" than="" just="" a="" single="" species="" test="" with="" mallards.="" the="" nwf="" also="" commented="" that="" ``the="" usfws="" argues="" that="" from="" an="" animal="" welfare="" standpoint,="" the="" numbers="" of="" test="" animals="" used="" can="" be="" reduced.="" in="" fact,="" it="" can="" be="" said="" that="" granting="" approval="" for="" a="" shot="" compound="" which="" has="" not="" been="" throughly="" tested="" makes="" the="" whole="" of="" the="" wild="" waterfowl="" population="" test="" animals.''="" under="" the="" current="" testing="" procedures,="" the="" entire="" ecosystem="" is="" the="" test="" subject="" because="" it="" ignores="" every="" environmental="" and="" biological="" component="" other="" than="" waterfowl.="" the="" service="" is="" striving="" for="" a="" balanced="" ecosystem="" approach="" to="" testing="" without="" being="" overly="" burdensome.="" instead="" of="" using="" large="" numbers="" of="" one="" species,="" the="" service="" is="" incorporating="" the="" test="" with="" several="" different="" species.="" the="" nwf="" also="" stated="" that,="" ``there="" are="" numerous="" cases="" (e.g.,="" the="" pesticide="" ddt)="" in="" which="" the="" harmful="" effects="" of="" a="" product="" became="" apparent="" only="" after="" loss="" of="" reproductive="" viability="" of="" wildlife="" became="" chronic,="" by="" which="" time="" the="" environmentally="" harmful="" substance="" was="" widely="" dispersed="" throughout="" the="" ecosystem.''="" reproductive="" test="" data="" is="" an="" integral="" part="" of="" the="" new="" test="" protocol.="" we="" recognize="" the="" importance="" of="" reproductive="" testing,="" and="" its="" importance="" in="" determining="" the="" safety="" of="" a="" product.="" a="" reproductive="" assessment="" with="" no="" adverse="" or="" inconclusive="" results="" is="" required="" for="" final="" approval="" of="" a="" candidate="" material="" as="" nontoxic.="" ``we="" [nwf]="" remain="" firmly="" opposed="" to="" granting="" full="" or="" final="" approval="" without="" completion="" of="" all="" three="" phases="" of="" testing.="" at="" a="" minimum,="" conditional="" approval="" should="" be="" granted="" only="" after="" the="" currently="" mandated="" phase="" one="" testing="" is="" complete.''="" granting="" of="" final="" approval="" will="" occur="" only="" when="" an="" applicant="" sufficiently="" has="" satisfied="" tier="" 1="" and="" shown="" the="" candidate="" material="" to="" be="" nontoxic.="" if="" tier="" 1="" testing="" results="" are="" inconclusive,="" completion="" of="" tier="" 2,="" tier="" 3,="" or="" both="" will="" be="" required="" showing="" the="" candidate="" material="" to="" be="" nontoxic.="" this="" does="" not="" mean="" that="" completion="" of="" each="" tier="" by="" each="" applicant="" is="" always="" necessary.="" for="" example,="" if="" toxicity="" or="" reproductive="" data="" on="" the="" candidate="" material="" and="" mallards="" already="" exists,="" it="" may="" be="" incorporated="" into="" the="" tier="" 1="" package="" and="" may="" be="" sufficient="" to="" determine="" that="" the="" shot="" and/or="" shot="" coating="" should="" be="" approved.="" safety="" shot="" general="" partner,="" inc.="" reiterates="" their="" original="" concerns="" from="" their="" august="" 27,="" 1991,="" letter="" on="" the="" proposed="" protocol.="" safety="" shot="" states="" that="" ``the="" proposed="" rule="" appears="" to="" address="" our="" concerns="" about="" timing="" issues="" and="" unreasonable="" testing.''="" nepa="" consideration="" in="" compliance="" with="" the="" requirements="" of="" section="" 102(2)(c)="" of="" the="" national="" environmental="" policy="" act="" of="" 1969="" (nepa)="" (42="" u.s.c.="" 4332(c)),="" and="" the="" council="" on="" environmental="" quality's="" regulation="" for="" implementing="" nepa="" (40="" cfr="" 1500-1508),="" the="" service="" prepared="" an="" environmental="" assessment="" (ea)="" in="" november,="" 1996.="" this="" ea="" is="" available="" to="" the="" public="" at="" the="" office="" of="" migratory="" bird="" management,="" u.s.="" fish="" and="" wildlife="" service,="" ms="" 634-arlsq,="" 1849="" c="" street="" nw.,="" washington="" d.c.="" 20240.="" based="" on="" review="" and="" evaluation="" of="" the="" information="" in="" the="" ea,="" the="" service="" determined="" the="" action="" to="" amend="" 50="" cfr="" 20.134="" would="" not="" be="" a="" major="" federal="" action="" that="" significantly="" would="" affect="" the="" quality="" of="" the="" human="" environment.="" endangered="" species="" act="" considerations="" section="" 7="" of="" the="" endangered="" species="" act="" (esa)="" of="" 1972,="" as="" amended="" (16="" u.s.c.="" 1531="" et="" seq.),="" provides="" that,="" ``the="" secretary="" shall="" review="" other="" programs="" administered="" by="" him="" and="" utilize="" such="" programs="" in="" furtherance="" of="" the="" purposes="" of="" this="" act''="" (and)="" shall="" ``insure="" that="" any="" action="" authorized,="" funded="" or="" carried="" out="" *="" *="" *="" is="" not="" likely="" to="" jeopardize="" the="" continued="" existence="" of="" any="" endangered="" species="" or="" threatened="" species="" or="" result="" in="" the="" destruction="" or="" adverse="" modification="" of="" (critical)="" habitat="" *="" *="" *''="" the="" service="" completed="" a="" section="" 7="" consultation="" under="" the="" esa="" for="" this="" rule.="" the="" conclusion="" of="" that="" consultation="" is="" that="" the="" long-term="" effect="" of="" the="" rule="" would="" be="" beneficial,="" and="" that="" the="" rule="" itself="" is="" not="" likely="" to="" adversely="" affect="" listed="" species.="" however,="" as="" the="" nature="" of="" substances="" to="" be="" reviewed="" is="" not="" known="" at="" this="" time,="" each="" application="" will="" be="" reviewed="" for="" potential="" effects="" to="" listed="" species.="" the="" result="" of="" the="" service's="" consultation="" under="" section="" 7="" of="" the="" esa="" is="" available="" to="" the="" public="" through="" the="" office="" of="" migratory="" bird="" management,="" u.s.="" fish="" and="" wildlife="" service,="" ms="" 634="" arlsq,="" 1849="" c="" street="" nw.,="" washington="" d.c.="" 20240.="" [[page="" 63611]]="" regulatory="" flexibility="" act,="" executive="" order="" 12866,="" and="" the="" paperwork="" reduction="" act="" the="" regulatory="" flexibility="" act="" of="" 1980="" (5="" u.s.c.="" 601="" et="" seq.)="" requires="" the="" preparation="" of="" flexibility="" analyses="" for="" rules="" that="" will="" have="" a="" significant="" effect="" on="" a="" substantial="" number="" of="" small="" entities,="" which="" includes="" small="" businesses,="" organizations="" or="" governmental="" jurisdictions.="" since="" this="" is="" a="" revision="" to="" existing="" procedures="" designed="" to="" reduce="" cost="" and="" time="" requirements="" in="" determining="" the="" toxicity="" of="" a="" candidate="" material,="" this="" rule="" will="" have="" no="" significant="" effect="" on="" small="" entities.="" no="" dislocation="" or="" other="" local="" effects,="" with="" regard="" to="" hunters="" and="" others,="" are="" apt="" to="" be="" evidenced.="" the="" information="" collection="" requirements="" contained="" within="" this="" part="" have="" been="" approved="" by="" the="" office="" of="" management="" and="" budget="" (omb)="" under="" 44="" u.s.c.="" 3507="" and="" assigned="" clearance="" number="" 1018-0067="" which="" expires="" on="" 06/30/2000.="" the="" information="" must="" be="" provided="" in="" order="" to="" obtain="" the="" benefit="" of="" being="" approved="" as="" nontoxic="" shot.="" this="" information="" is="" being="" collected="" to="" evaluate="" an="" applicant's="" candidate="" material.="" the="" likely="" respondents="" to="" this="" collection="" of="" information="" will="" be="" companies="" producing="" and/or="" marketing="" shot="" and/or="" shot="" coatings="" who="" wish="" to="" obtain="" approval="" of="" the="" candidate="" shot="" as="" nontoxic="" for="" use="" in="" hunting="" waterfowl="" and="" coots.="" in="" order="" to="" make="" this="" decision,="" the="" service="" requires="" that="" applicants="" submit="" information="" collected="" about="" the="" toxicity="" of="" their="" candidate="" material="" to="" migratory="" birds="" and="" the="" environment.="" this="" data="" provides="" the="" bulk="" of="" the="" application.="" the="" information="" from="" scientific="" literature,="" risk="" assessment="" analysis,="" and="" toxicity="" studies,="" will="" be="" gathered="" and="" packaged="" by="" the="" applicant.="" the="" service="" expects="" to="" receive="" one="" request="" each="" year.="" the="" annual="" burden="" of="" reporting="" and="" record="" keeping="" is="" estimated="" to="" be="" about="" 3,200="" hours.="" the="" principal="" economic="" effect="" of="" this="" rule="" will="" be="" to="" allow="" sport="" hunting="" retailers="" sales="" of="" more="" nontoxic="" shot="" types.="" this="" will="" provide="" some="" additional="" sales,="" however="" these="" sales="" are="" within="" a="" niche="" market="" and="" not="" likely="" to="" dislocate="" any="" other="" products.="" it="" is="" thought="" that="" these="" sales="" may="" slightly="" reduce="" some="" of="" the="" lead="" shot="" sales.="" the="" overall="" effect="" to="" hunting="" expenditures="" in="" general="" will="" be="" minor.="" this="" rule="" will="" accommodate="" situations="" where="" existing="" information="" can="" minimize="" the="" need="" for="" full="" testing="" thereby="" reducing="" the="" time,="" expense,="" and="" burden="" on="" the="" federal="" government="" and="" applicant="" without="" risk="" to="" wildlife.="" therefore,="" this="" rulemaking="" was="" not="" subject="" to="" review="" by="" the="" office="" of="" management="" and="" budget="" under="" executive="" order="" 12866.="" the="" potential="" applicants="" are="" likely="" to="" be="" small="" entities,="" therefore,="" the="" economic="" effects="" as="" described="" in="" executive="" order="" 12866="" are="" the="" same="" or="" similar="" to="" the="" economic="" impacts="" of="" annual="" hunting="" on="" small="" business="" entities.="" the="" economic="" impacts="" of="" annual="" hunting="" on="" small="" business="" entities="" were="" analyzed="" in="" detail="" and="" a="" small="" entity="" flexibility="" analysis="" (analysis),="" under="" the="" regulatory="" flexibility="" act="" (5="" u.s.c.="" 601="" et="" seq.),="" was="" issued="" by="" the="" service="" in="" 1995="" (copies="" available="" upon="" request="" from="" office="" of="" migratory="" bird="" management).="" the="" analysis="" documented="" the="" significant="" beneficial="" economic="" effect="" on="" a="" substantial="" number="" of="" small="" entities.="" the="" primary="" source="" of="" information="" about="" hunter="" expenditures="" for="" migratory="" game="" bird="" hunting="" is="" the="" national="" hunting="" and="" fishing="" survey,="" which="" is="" conducted="" at="" 5-year="" intervals.="" the="" analysis="" utilized="" the="" 1991="" national="" hunting="" and="" fishing="" survey="" and="" the="" u.s.="" department="" of="" commerce's="" county="" business="" patterns="" from="" which="" it="" was="" estimated="" that="" migratory="" bird="" hunters="" would="" spend="" between="" $10="" and="" $59="" million="" at="" small="" businesses="" in="" 1995.="" the="" approval="" of="" other="" nontoxic="" alternative="" shot="" to="" steel="" will="" have="" a="" minor="" positive="" impact="" on="" small="" businesses="" by="" allowing="" them="" to="" sell="" an="" additional="" nontoxic="" shot="" to="" the="" hunting="" public.="" however,="" the="" overall="" effect="" to="" hunting="" expenditures="" in="" general="" would="" be="" minor.="" unfunded="" mandates="" reform="" the="" service="" has="" determined="" and="" certifies="" pursuant="" to="" the="" unfunded="" mandates="" act,="" 2="" u.s.c.="" 1502="" et="" seq.,="" that="" this="" rulemaking="" will="" not="" impose="" a="" cost="" of="" $100="" million="" or="" more="" in="" any="" given="" year="" on="" local="" or="" state="" government="" or="" private="" entities.="" civil="" justice="" reform--executive="" order="" 12988="" the="" service,="" in="" promulgating="" this="" rule,="" has="" determined="" that="" these="" regulations="" meet="" the="" applicable="" standards="" provided="" in="" sections="" 3(a)="" and="" 3(b)(2)="" of="" executive="" order="" 12988.="" authorship="" the="" primary="" authors="" of="" this="" rule="" are="" cynthia="" m.="" perry="" and="" keith="" a.="" morehouse,="" u.s.="" fish="" and="" wildlife="" service,="" and="" barnett="" rattner,="" biological="" research="" division="" of="" the="" u.s.="" geological="" survey.="" list="" of="" subjects="" in="" 50="" cfr="" part="" 20="" exports,="" hunting,="" imports,="" reporting="" and="" recordkeeping="" requirements,="" transportation,="" wildlife.="" accordingly,="" the="" service="" amends="" part="" 20,="" subchapter="" b,="" chapter="" i="" of="" title="" 50="" of="" the="" code="" of="" federal="" regulations="" as="" follows:="" part="" 20--[amended]="" 1.="" the="" authority="" citation="" for="" part="" 20="" continues="" to="" read="" as="" follows:="" authority:="" 16="" u.s.c.="" 703-712;="" and="" 16="" u.s.c.="" 742="" a-j.="" 2.="" amend="" sec.="" 20.134="" by="" revising="" paragraph="" (b)="" as="" set="" forth="" below="" and="" removing="" paragraph="" (c):="" sec.="" 20.134="" nontoxic="" shot.="" *="" *="" *="" *="" *="" (b)="" application="" and="" review.="" tiered="" strategy="" for="" approval="" of="" nontoxic="" shot="" and="" shot="" coating.="" (1)="" all="" applications="" for="" approval="" under="" this="" section="" must="" be="" submitted="" with="" supporting="" documentation="" to="" the="" director="" in="" accordance="" with="" the="" following="" procedures="" and="" must="" include="" at="" a="" minimum="" the="" supporting="" materials="" and="" information="" covered="" by="" tier="" 1="" in="" the="" tiered="" approval="" system="" as="" follows:="" (2)="" tier="" 1.="" (i)(a)="" applicant="" provides="" statements="" of="" use,="" chemical="" characterization,="" production="" variability,="" volume="" of="" use="" of="" candidate="" material="" and="" shot="" sample="" as="" listed="" in="" paragraphs="" (b)(2)(i)(a)(1)="" through="" (5),="" (b)(2)(i)(b)(1)="" through="" (5),="" and="" (b)(2)(i)(c)(1)="" through="" (3)="" of="" this="" section.="" the="" candidate="" shot="" or="" shot="" coating="" may="" be="" chemically="" analyzed="" by="" the="" service="" or="" an="" independent="" laboratory="" to="" compare="" the="" results="" with="" the="" applicant's="" descriptions="" of="" shot="" composition="" and="" composition="" variability.="" rejection="" of="" the="" application="" will="" occur="" if="" it="" is="" incomplete="" or="" if="" the="" composition="" of="" the="" candidate="" material,="" upon="" analysis,="" varies="" significantly="" from="" that="" described="" by="" the="" applicant.="" (1)="" statement="" of="" proposed="" use,="" i.e.,="" purpose="" and="" types.="" (2)="" description="" of="" the="" chemical="" composition="" of="" the="" intact="" material.="" (i)="" chemical="" names,="" chemical="" abstracts="" service="" numbers="" (if="" available),="" and="" structures.="" (ii)="" chemical="" characterization="" for="" organics="" and="" organometallics="" for="" coating="" and="" core="" [e.g.,="" empirical="" formula,="" melting="" point,="" molecular="" weight,="" solubility,="" specific="" gravity,="" partition="" coefficients,="" hydrolysis="" half-life,="" leaching="" rate="" (in="" water="" and="" soil),="" degradation="" half-life,="" vapor="" pressure,="" stability="" and="" other="" relevant="" characteristics].="" (iii)="" composition="" and="" weight="" of="" shot="" material.="" [[page="" 63612]]="" (iv)="" thickness,="" quantity="" (e.g.,="" mg/shot),="" and="" chemical="" composition="" of="" shot="" coating.="" (3)="" statement="" of="" the="" expected="" variability="" of="" shot="" during="" production.="" (4)="" estimate="" of="" yearly="" volume="" of="" candidate="" shot="" and/or="" coated="" shot="" expected="" for="" use="" in="" hunting="" migratory="" birds="" in="" the="" u.s.="" (5)="" five="" pounds="" of="" the="" candidate="" shot="" and/or="" coated="" shot,="" as="" applicable,="" in="" size="" equivalent="" to="" united="" states="" standard="" size="" no.="" 4="" (0.13="" inches="" in="" diameter).="" (b)="" applicant="" provides="" information="" on="" the="" toxicological="" effects="" of="" the="" shot="" or="" shot="" coating="" as="" follows:="" (1)="" a="" summary="" of="" the="" acute="" and="" chronic="" mammalian="" toxicity="" data="" of="" the="" shot="" or="" shot="" coating="" ranking="" its="" toxicity="" (e.g.,=""><5 mg/kg="super" toxic,="" 5-50="" mg/kg="extremely" toxic,="" 50-500="" mg/kg="very" toxic,="" 500-5,000="" mg/kg="moderately" toxic,="" 5,000-15,000="slightly" toxic,="">15,000 mg/kg = practically nontoxic) with citations.
        (2) A summary of known acute, chronic, and reproductive 
    toxicological data of the chemicals comprising the shot or shot coating 
    with respect to birds, particularly waterfowl (include LD50 or LC50 
    data, and sublethal effects) with citations.
        (3) A narrative description, with citations to relevant data, 
    predicting the toxic effect in waterfowl of complete erosion and 
    absorption of one shot or coated shot in a 24-hour period. Define the 
    nature of toxic effect (e.g., mortality, impaired reproduction, 
    substantial weight loss, disorientation and other relevant associated 
    clinical observations).
        (4) A statement, with supporting rationale and citations to 
    relevant data, that there is or is not any reasonable basis for concern 
    for shot or coated shot ingestion by fish, amphibians, reptiles or 
    mammals. If there is some recognized impact on fish, amphibians, 
    reptiles, or mammals, the Service may require additional study.
        (5) Summarize the toxicity data of chemicals comprising the shot or 
    shot coating to aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, fish, 
    amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.
        (C) Applicant provides information on the environmental fate and 
    transport, if any, of the shot or shot coating as follows:
        (1) A statement of the alteration of the shot or shot coating, 
    chemically or physically, upon firing. The statement must describe any 
    alterations.
        (2) An estimate of the environmental half-life of the organic or 
    organometallic component of the shot or shot coating, and a description 
    of the chemical form of the breakdown products.
        (3) Information on the Estimated Environmental Concentration (EEC) 
    assuming 69,000 shot per hectare (Bellrose 1959; Pain 1990) for:
        (i) A terrestrial ecosystem, assuming complete dissolution of 
    material in 5 cm of soil. What would be the EEC and would that EEC 
    exceed existing clean soil standards? (Environmental Protection Agency 
    [EPA] standards for the Use of Disposal of Sewage Sludge; 40 CFR Part 
    503). How does the estimated EEC relate to the toxicity threshold for 
    plants, invertebrates, fish and wildlife?
        (ii) An aquatic ecosystem, assuming complete dissolution of the 
    shot or shot coating in 1 cubic foot of water. What is the estimated 
    EEC, and how does it compare to the EPA Water Quality Criteria and 
    toxicity thresholds in plants, invertebrates, fish and wildlife?
        (D) Service evaluation of an application.
        (1) In reviewing the submission, the Service will use an exceedence 
    of 1 LD50/square foot as the level of concern (U.S.E.P.A. 1992) as a 
    criteria in the risk assessment.
        (2) In cooperation with the applicant, the Service will conduct a 
    risk assessment using the Quotient Method (Environmental Protection 
    Agency 1986): Risk = EEC/Toxicological Level of Concern Compare EEC in 
    ppm to an effect level (e.g., LD50 in ppm. If Q < 0.1="No" adverse="" effects;="" if="" 0.1=""> Q  10.0 = Possible Adverse 
    Effects; If Q > 10.0 = Probable Adverse Effects.
        (3) Upon receipt of the Tier 1 application, the Director will 
    review it to determine if the submission is complete. If complete, the 
    applicant is notified within 30 days of receipt that a thorough review 
    of the application will commence. A Notice of Application will appear 
    in the Federal Register announcing the initiation of review of a Tier 1 
    application. Complete review of a Tier 1 application will occur within 
    60 days of the date the Notice of Application is published in the 
    Federal Register.
        (E) If, after review of the Tier 1 data, the Service does not 
    conclude that the shot or shot coating does not impose a significant 
    danger to migratory birds, other wildlife, and their habitats, the 
    applicant is advised to proceed with the additional testing described 
    for Tier 2, Tier 3, or both. A Notice of Review will inform the public 
    that Tier 1 test results are inconclusive, and Tier 2, Tier 3, or both 
    testing are required before further consideration.
        (F) If review of the Tier 1 data results in a preliminary 
    determination that the candidate material does not impose a significant 
    danger to migratory birds, other wildlife, and their habitats, the 
    Director will publish in the Federal Register a proposed rule stating 
    the Service's intention to approve this shot or shot coating based on 
    the toxicological report and toxicity studies. The rulemaking will 
    include a description of the chemical composition of the candidate shot 
    or shot coating, and a synopsis of findings under the standards 
    required for Tier 1. If, at the end of the comment period, the Service 
    finds no technical or scientific basis upon which to alter its 
    conclusion, the candidate material will be approved by the publication 
    of a final rule in the Federal Register. If, after receiving public 
    comment, the Service determines that all available information does not 
    establish that the shot and/or shot coating does not impose a 
    significant danger to migratory birds, other wildlife, and their 
    habitats, Tier 2, Tier 3, or both testing will be required and a Notice 
    of Review will appear in the Federal Register. If only one of these two 
    Tier tests are required, the Service will explain in the notice why the 
    other is not required. If the applicant chooses not to proceed, the 
    determination denying approval will appear in the Federal Register.
        (ii) Reserved.
        (3) Tier 2.
        (i) If Tier 2 testing is required, the applicant must submit a plan 
    that addresses paragraph (b)(3)(ii) requirements. The Director will 
    review the Tier 2 testing plan submitted by the applicant within 30 
    days of receipt. The Director may decline to approve the plan, or any 
    part of it, if deficient in any manner with regard to timing, format or 
    content. The Director shall apprise the applicant regarding what parts, 
    if any, of the submitted testing procedures to disregard and any 
    modifications to incorporate into the Tier 2 testing plan in order to 
    gain plan approval. All testing procedures will be in compliance with 
    the Good Laboratory Practices Standards (40 CFR part 160) except where 
    they conflict with the regulations in this section or with a provision 
    of an approved plan. The Director, or authorized representative, may 
    elect to inspect the applicant's laboratory facilities and may decline 
    to approve the plan and further consideration of the candidate shot if 
    the facility does not meet the Good Laboratory Practices Standards. 
    After the plan is accepted, Tier 2 testing will commence. Required 
    analyses and reports, in accordance with the regulations in this 
    section, must be sent to the Director. The applicant will ensure that 
    copies of all the raw data and statistical analyses accompany the
    
    [[Page 63613]]
    
    laboratory reports and final comprehensive report of this test.
        (ii) Evaluation of the candidate shot or shot coating will first be 
    in a standardized test under in vitro conditions (see paragraph 
    (b)(3)(ii)(A)) that will assess its erosion and any release of 
    components into a liquid medium in an environment simulating in vivo 
    conditions of a waterfowl gizzard. Erosion characteristics are to be 
    compared with those of lead shot and steel shot of comparable size. 
    Following the erosion rate testing, the applicant must conduct a 30-day 
    acute toxicity test in mallards, and a test to determine the candidate 
    shot and/or shot coating effects on selected invertebrates and fish and 
    include the results in the report for the Director.
        (A) In Vitro Erosion Rate Test. Conduct a standardized in vitro 
    test to determine erosion rate of the candidate shot or shot coating 
    using the guidelines in Kimball and Munir (1971), unless otherwise 
    provided by the Service.
        (1) Typical test materials:
        Atomic absorption spectrophotometer; Drilled aluminum block to 
    support test tubes; Thermostatically controlled stirring hot plate; 
    Small Teflon-coated magnets; Hydrochloric acid (pH 2.0) and 
    pepsin; Capped test tubes; and Lead, steel and candidate shot/coated 
    shot.
        (2) Typical test procedures. Add hydrochloric acid and pepsin to 
    each capped test tube at a volume and concentration that will erode a 
    single 4 lead shot at a rate of 5 mg/day. Place three test 
    tubes, each containing either lead shot, steel shot or candidate shot 
    and/or coated shot, in an aluminum block on the stirring hot plate. Add 
    a Teflon coated magnet to each test tube and set the hot 
    plate at 42 degrees centigrade and 500 revolutions per minute. 
    Determine the erosion of shot or coated shot daily for 14 consecutive 
    days by weighing the shot and analyzing the digestion solution with an 
    atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Replicate the 14-day procedure 
    five times.
        (3) Typical test analyses. Compare erosion rates of the three types 
    of shot by appropriate analysis of variance and regression procedures. 
    The statistical analysis will determine whether the rate of erosion of 
    the shot and/or shot coating is significantly greater or less than that 
    of lead and steel. This determination is important to any subsequent 
    toxicity testing.
        (B) Acute Toxicity Test--Tier 2 (Short-term, 30-day acute toxicity 
    test using a commercially available duck food.). Over a 30-day period, 
    conduct a short-term acute toxicity test that complies with the 
    guidelines described as follows or as otherwise provided by the 
    Service:
        (1) Typical test materials: 30 male and 30 female hand-reared 
    mallards approximately 6 to 8 months old (mallards must have plumage 
    and body conformation that resemble wild mallards); 60 elevated outdoor 
    pens equipped with feeders and waterers; Laboratory equipped to perform 
    fluoroscopy, required blood and tissue assays, and necropsies; 
    Commercial duck maintenance mash; and Lead, steel and candidate shot.
        (2) Typical test procedures. House mallards individually in pens 
    and give ad libitum access to food and water. After 3 weeks, randomly 
    assign to 3 groups (10 males and 10 females/group), dose with eight 
    pellets of either No. 4 lead shot (positive control), steel shot 
    (negative control), or the candidate shot or coated shot. Fluoroscope 
    birds at 1 week after dosage to check for shot retention. Observe birds 
    daily for signs of intoxication and mortality over a 30-day period. 
    Determine body weight at the time of dosing, and at days 15 and 30 of 
    the test. On days 15 and 30, collect blood by venipuncture, determine 
    hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration and other specified blood 
    chemistries. Sacrifice all survivors on day 30. Remove the liver and 
    other appropriate organs from the sacrificed birds and from birds that 
    died prior to sacrifice on day 30 for histopathological analysis. 
    Analyze the organs for lead and compounds contained in the candidate 
    shot or coated shot. Necropsy all birds to determine any pathological 
    conditions.
        (3) Typical test analyses. Analyze mortality among the specified 
    groups with appropriate chi-square statistical procedures. Analyze 
    physiological data and tissue contaminant data by analysis of variance 
    or other appropriate statistical procedures to include the factors of 
    shot type and sex. Compare sacrificed birds and birds that died prior 
    to sacrifice whenever sample sizes are adequate for meaningful 
    comparison.
        (C) Daphnid and Fish Early-Life Toxicity Tests. Determine the 
    toxicity of the compounds that comprise the shot or shot coating (at 
    conditions maximizing solubility without adversely affecting controls) 
    to selected invertebrates and fish. These methods are subject to the 
    environmental effects test regulations developed under the authority of 
    the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.), as follows:
        (1) The first test, the Daphnid Acute Toxicity Test (conducted in 
    accordance with 40 CFR 797.1300), is a guideline for use in developing 
    data on the acute toxicity of chemical substances. This guideline 
    prescribes an acute toxicity test in which Daphnid exposure to a 
    chemical in static and flow-through systems, with the agencies 
    assessing the hazard the compound(s) may present to an aquatic 
    environment.
        (2) The second test is the Daphnid Chronic Toxicity Test (conducted 
    in accordance with 40 CFR 797.1330). This gathers data on the chronic 
    toxicity of chemical substances in which Daphnids (Daphnia spp.) are 
    exposed to a chemical in a renewal or flow-through system. The data 
    from this test are again used to assess the hazard that the compound(s) 
    may present to an aquatic environment.
        (3) A third test, Fish Early Life Stage Toxicity Test (conducted in 
    accordance with 40 CFR Section 797.1600), assesses the adverse effects 
    of chemical substances to fish in the early stages of their growth and 
    development. Data from this test are used to determine the hazard the 
    compound(s) may present to an aquatic environment.
        (iii) After the Tier 2 testing, the applicant will report the 
    results to the Director. If, after review of the Tier 2 data, the 
    Service determines that the information does not establish that the 
    shot or shot coating does not impose a significant danger to migratory 
    birds, other wildlife, and their habitats, the applicant is advised to 
    proceed with the additional testing in Tier 3. A Notice of Review 
    advises the public that, in conjunction with Tier 1 data, Tier 2 test 
    results are inconclusive and Tier 3 testing is required for continued 
    consideration.
        (iv) If review of the Tier 2 test data results in a preliminary 
    determination that the candidate shot or shot coating does not impose a 
    significant danger to migratory birds, other wildlife, and their 
    habitats, the Director will publish in the Federal Register a proposed 
    rule stating the Service's intention to approve this shot and/or 
    coating and why Tier 3 testing is unnecessary. The rulemaking will 
    include a description of chemical composition of the shot or shot 
    coating, and a synopsis of findings under the standards required at 
    Tier 2. If, at the end of the comment period, the Service finds no 
    technical or scientific basis upon which to deny approval, the 
    candidate shot or shot coating approval is published as a final rule in 
    the Federal Register. If, as a result of the comment period, the 
    Service determines that the information does not establish that the 
    shot and/or shot coating does not impose a significant danger to 
    migratory birds, other wildlife, and their habitats, Tier 3 testing 
    will be required and a Notice of Review published in the
    
    [[Page 63614]]
    
    Federal Register. If the applicant chooses not to proceed, the 
    determination denying approval of the candidate shot or shot coating 
    will appear in the Federal Register.
        (4) Tier 3. 
        (i) If the Director determines that the Tier 1 or Tier 2 
    information is inconclusive, the Director will notify the applicant to 
    submit a Tier 3 testing plan for conducting further testing as outlined 
    in paragraphs (b)(4)(i) (A) and (B) of this section. Review, by the 
    Director, of the Tier 3 testing plan submitted by the applicant will 
    occur within 30 days of receipt. The Director may decline to approve 
    the plan, or any part of it, if deficient in any manner with regard to 
    timing, format or content. The Director shall apprise the applicant 
    regarding what parts, if any, of the submitted testing procedure to 
    disregard and any modifications to incorporate into the Tier 3 plan in 
    order to gain plan approval. All testing procedures should be in 
    compliance with the Good Laboratory Practices Standards (40 CFR part 
    160), except where they conflict with the regulations in this section 
    or with a provision of an approved plan. The Director, or authorized 
    representative, may elect to inspect the applicant's laboratory 
    facilities and may decline to approve the plan and further 
    consideration of the candidate shot and/or shot coating if the facility 
    is not in compliance with the Good Laboratory Practices Standards. 
    After acceptance of the plan, Tier 3 testing will commence. Required 
    analyses and reports must be sent to the Director. The applicant will 
    ensure that copies of all the raw data and statistical analyses 
    accompany the laboratory reports and final comprehensive report of this 
    test.
        (A) Chronic Toxicity Test--Tier 3 (Long-term toxicity test under 
    depressed temperature conditions using a nutritionally-deficient diet). 
    Conduct a chronic exposure test under adverse conditions that complies 
    with the general guidelines described as follows unless otherwise 
    provided by the Service:
        (1) Typical test materials: 36 male and 36 female hand-reared 
    mallards approximately 6 to 8 months old (Mallards must have plumage 
    and body conformation that resembles wild mallards); 72 elevated 
    outdoor pens equipped with feeders and waterers; Laboratory equipped to 
    perform fluoroscopy, required blood and tissue assays, and necropsies; 
    Whole kernel corn; and Lead, steel, and candidate shot or coated shot.
        (2) Typical test procedures.
        (i) Conduct this test at a location where the mean monthly low 
    temperature during December through March is between 20 and 40 degrees 
    Fahrenheit (-6.6 and 4.4 degrees centigrade, respectively). Assign 
    individual mallards to elevated outdoor pens during the first week of 
    December and acclimate to an ad libitum diet of whole kernel corn for 2 
    weeks. Randomly assign birds to 5 groups (lead group of 4 males and 4 
    females, 4 other groups of 8 males and 8 females/group). Dose the lead 
    group (positive control) with one size No. 4 pellet of lead shot. Dose 
    one group (8 males and 8 females) with eight size No. 4 pellets of 
    steel shot (negative control) and dose the 3 other groups (8 males and 
    8 females/group) with one, four and eight size No. 4 pellets of 
    candidate shot or coated shot.
        (ii) Weigh and fluoroscope birds weekly. Weigh all recovered shot 
    to measure erosion. Determine blood parameters given in the 30-day 
    acute toxicity test. Provide body weight and blood parameter 
    measurements on samples drawn at 24 hours after dosage and at the end 
    of days 30 and 60. At the end of 60 days, sacrifice all survivors. 
    Remove the liver and other appropriate organs from sacrificed birds and 
    birds dying prior to sacrifice on day 60 for histopathological 
    analysis. Analyze organs for lead and other metals potentially 
    contained in the candidate shot or shot coating. Necropsy all birds 
    that died prior to sacrifice to determine pathological conditions 
    associated with death.
        (3) Typical test analyses. Analyze mortality among the specified 
    groups with appropriate chi-square statistical procedures. Any effects 
    on the previously mentioned physiological parameters caused by the shot 
    or shot coating must be significantly less than those caused by lead 
    shot and must not be significantly greater than those caused by steel 
    shot. Analyze physiological data and tissue contaminant data by 
    analysis of variance or appropriate statistical procedures to include 
    the factors of shot type, dose and sex. Compare sacrificed birds and 
    birds that died prior to sacrifice whenever sample sizes are adequate 
    for a meaningful comparison.
        (B) Chronic Dosage Study--Tier 3 (Moderately long-term study that 
    includes reproductive assessment). Conduct chronic exposure 
    reproduction trial with the general guidelines described as follows 
    unless otherwise provided by the Service:
        (1) Typical test materials: 44 male and 44 female hand-reared first 
    year mallards (Mallards must have plumage and body conformation that 
    resemble wild mallards); Pens suitable for quarantine and acclimation 
    and for reasonably holding 5-10 ducks each; 44 elevated, pens equipped 
    with feeders, waterers and nest boxes; Laboratory equipped to perform 
    fluoroscopy, required blood and tissue assays, and necropsies; Whole 
    kernel corn, and commercial duck maintenance and breeder mash; and 
    Lead, steel and candidate shot or coated shot.
        (2) Typical test procedures. (i) Randomly assign mallards to 3 
    groups (Lead group = 4 males and 4 females; steel group = 20 males and 
    20 females; candidate shot/coated shot group = 20 males and 20 females) 
    in December and hold in same-sex groups until mid-January (dates apply 
    to outdoor test facility only and will reflect where in the U.S. tests 
    are conducted). Tests conducted in the southern U.S. will need to be 
    completed in low temperature units. After a 3-week acclimation period 
    with ducks receiving commercial maintenance mash, provide birds with an 
    ad libitum diet of corn for 60 days and then pair birds (one pair/pen) 
    and provide commercial breeder mash. Dosing of the 3 groups with one 
    pellet of No. 4 lead shot (positive control); eight pellets of No. 4 
    steel shot (negative control); and eight pellets of No. 4 candidate 
    shot or coated shot will occur after the acclimation period (day 0) and 
    redosed after 30, 60, and 90 days. Few, if any, of the lead-dosed birds 
    (positive control) should survive and reproduce.
        (ii) Fluoroscope birds 1 week after dosage to check for shot 
    retention. Weigh males and females the day of initial dosing (day 0), 
    at each subsequent dosing, and at death. Measure blood parameters 
    identified in the 30-Day Acute Toxicity Test in this test using samples 
    drawn at time of weighing. Note the date of first egg and the mean 
    number of days per egg laid. Conclude laying after 21 normal, uncracked 
    eggs are laid or after 150 days. Sacrifice adults after completion of 
    laying period. Remove the liver and other appropriate organs from 
    sacrificed birds and from other birds that died prior to sacrifice for 
    histopathological analysis. Analyze organs and the 11th egg for 
    compounds contained in the shot or shot coating. Necropsy all birds to 
    determine any pathological conditions. Check nests daily to collect 
    eggs. Discard any eggs laid before pairing. Artificially incubate eggs 
    and calculate the percent shell thickness, percent eggs cracked, 
    percent fertility (as determined by candling), and percent hatch of 
    fertile eggs for each female. Provide ducklings with starter mash after 
    hatching. Sacrifice all ducklings at 14 days of age. Measure survival 
    to day 14 and weight of the
    
    [[Page 63615]]
    
    ducklings at hatching and sacrifice. Measure blood parameters 
    identified in the 30-Day Acute Toxicity Test using samples drawn at 
    sacrificing.
        (3) Typical test analyses.
        (i) Any mortality, reproductive inhibition or effects on the 
    physiological parameters in paragraph (b)(4) by the shot or shot 
    coating must not be significantly greater than those caused by steel 
    shot. Percentage data is subject to an arcsine, square root 
    transformation prior to statistical analyses. Physiological and 
    reproductive data is analyzed by one-tailed t-tests (=0.05), 
    or other appropriate statistical procedures by the applicant.
        (ii) After conclusion of Tier 3 testing, the applicant must report 
    the results to the Director. If after review of the Tier 3 data 
    (completion 60 days after receipt of material) the Service determines 
    that all of the information gathered and submitted in accordance with 
    Tiers 1, 2, and 3, as applicable, does not establish that the shot or 
    shot coating does not impose a significant danger to migratory birds, 
    other wildlife, and their habitats, the applicant will have the option 
    of repeating the tests that the Director deems are inconclusive. If the 
    applicant chooses not to repeat the tests, approval of the candidate 
    shot or shot coating is denied. A Notice of Review will inform the 
    public that Tier 3 results are inconclusive, the applicant's decision 
    not to repeat Tier 3 testing, and the Service's subsequent denial of 
    the shot or shot coating.
        (iii) If review of either the initial or repeated Tier 3 test data 
    results in a preliminary determination that the shot or shot coating 
    does not impose a significant danger to migratory birds, other wildlife 
    and their habitats, the Director will publish in the Federal Register a 
    proposed rule stating the Service's intention to approve this shot or 
    shot coating and providing the public with the opportunity to comment. 
    The rulemaking will include a description of the chemical composition 
    of the shot or shot coating and a synopsis of findings under the 
    standards required by Tier 3. If at the end of the comment period, the 
    Service concludes that the shot or shot coating does not impose a 
    significant danger to migratory birds, other wildlife, or their 
    habitats, the shot or shot coating will be approved as nontoxic with 
    publication of a final rule in the Federal Register.
        (5) Residual lead levels. The Service's maximum environmentally 
    acceptable level of lead in shot is trace amounts or <1 percent.="" any="" shot="" manufactured="" with="" lead="" levels="" equal="" to="" or="" exceeding="" 1="" percent="" are="" considered="" toxic="" and,="" therefore,="" illegal.="" (6)="" field="" detection="" device.="" before="" approval="" of="" any="" shot="" for="" use="" in="" migratory="" game="" bird="" hunting,="" a="" noninvasive="" field="" testing="" device="" must="" be="" available="" for="" enforcement="" officers="" to="" determine="" the="" shot="" material="" in="" a="" given="" shell="" in="" the="" field.="" dated:="" november="" 3,="" 1997.="" donald="" j.="" barry,="" acting="" assistant="" secretary="" for="" fish="" and="" wildlife="" and="" parks.="" [fr="" doc.="" 97-31328="" filed="" 11-28-97;="" 8:45="" am]="" billing="" code="" 4310-55-p="">

Document Information

Effective Date:
12/31/1997
Published:
12/01/1997
Department:
Fish and Wildlife Service
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
97-31328
Dates:
This final rule takes effect December 31, 1997.
Pages:
63608-63615 (8 pages)
RINs:
1018-AB80: Migratory Bird Hunting: Revised Test Protocol for Nontoxic Approval Procedures for Shot and Shot Coatings
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/1018-AB80/migratory-bird-hunting-revised-test-protocol-for-nontoxic-approval-procedures-for-shot-and-shot-coat
PDF File:
97-31328.pdf
CFR: (1)
50 CFR 20.134